Located on a strategic hilltop location in the foothills of the Simien Mountains, Gonder is an impressive town. Surrounded by fertile land and at the intersection of major caravan routes it was founded as a capital in 1636. Today the town of about 150,000 is the fourth largest in the country and has a very relaxed, laid back feel to it.

The Royal Enclosure or Fasil Ghebbi dominates the city centre, its high enclosure walls containing six castles and a myriad of tunnels and raised walkways. There is much else to see here including Fasilida’s Castle, the most impressive in the complex, the Royal Archive building, and also three churches. 2km out of town is Fasilida’s pool, a 2,800sqm pool, reputedly used by the Emperor for bathing and the Debre Birhan Selassie church with its wonderful interior paintings is well worth a look.